Austin's Christmas Shortcake

by Dani René

She’s my daughter’s babysitter. Off limits. At least, that’s what I tell myself. As the festive season draws closer, I can’t help but get a taste of my Christmas Shortcake. I should let her go. She’s far too young for me. But after one delectable taste, I can’t help but want so much more from Lily. He’s a doctor, sexy, confident, and he makes me want to offer him everything on a platter. But can I take on a whole new responsibility? After a night with Austin, I can’t say no to him, or my feelings any longer. But will our heated romance last? *This is a very short read! Due to scenes of an adult nature, this is for 18+ ONLY. Sweet, swoony, and oh so sexy! For a limited time His Temptation will be included.*

Genres: Anthologies, Holiday, Short Stories, Christmas

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 18, 2017

About the author

Dani is a USA Today Bestselling Author of dark and deviant romance with a seductive edge.

Originally from Cape Town, South Africa, she now lives in the UK where she explores old buildings and cemeteries while plotting her next book.

When she's not writing, she can be found binge-watching the latest TV series, or working on graphic design either for herself, or other indie authors.

She enjoys reading books about handsome villains and feisty heroines, mostly dark, always seductive, and sometimes depraved. She has a healthy addiction to tattoos, coffee, and ice cream.

You can find more information on her website, www.danirene.com, or find her on social media, Instagram and Facebook being her favorites. Along with her newsletter, which you can sign up for here - https://bit.ly/DaniVIPs

Find me online: Facebook Page | BookBub Page | Instagram | Amazon Page | TikTok | Pinterest

Reviews

[Fiction Junkie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short and sweet.

[Teri · Rating 4 out of 5]

Older man, younger woman and the kid that brings them together. This book is so not what you expect from this author of darkness and such a refreshing change. I kept waiting for her dark side to take over but it didn't happen. His wife has said she is done and took off leaving him and his child. He didn't go looking for her she came to him and rescued them in the nick of time. This is a short story but somehow this author grabs you and gives you all the feels in a short story that has all the ingredients for a wonderful read.

I loved this hot passionate read but it isn't sexual or twisted or dark, I kept checking to make sure it was really this author's book!!! Yup but it's enough to get you hooked and enough to keep you involved, enough to make you swoon. It's pure Dani without being anything like her.

[Sheena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Passionate.....

Well I was expecting enthralling, steamy taboo from this author and I was not disappointed ... Austin is a divorced father and Lily is his daughter’s babysitter.. Lily is off limits but of course this does not diminish her desirability....these two are mutually attracted but that first step towards demonstrating their true feelings is always the hardest one to take...

Lily and Austin take turns to tell their stories ... the sexual tension is tangible and when their desire ignites their passion is like wild fire searingly hot and uncontrollable...

A forbidden sexual attraction that has the potential to turn into something so much more if only the two protagonists can overcome their reservations...I received an advanced copy of this novella from the author..

[Melissa Fisher · Rating 4 out of 5]

Love Christmas and Love taboo

This is definitely a different side to Dani's books than what we have seen. Short and sweet and still leaving me wanting more! Lily and Austin stole my heart in this one. And who doesn't love a taboo story?! Daddy and baby sitter in a sweet and sultry novella. Loved the words. Loved the feels. Loved the characters.

[Wonder Tre Reads -Tre Harris · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5. If you’re looking for a quick holiday read then this novella is a sweet treat for sure. Austin is a sexy doc that has taken a liking to his daughters sitter, Lily is slightly younger but knows what she wants and goes for it. When the secrets are revealed the heat is on and you’ll never want to put this book down. This is my unbiased and voluntary review.

[Jennifer McGurk Finn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book would've been a lot better if there weren't a few plot holes that were small but still very annoying to me. When I read I take notes for the review and I may be a bit obsessive about it. The H says they met when she slipped on ice which means they live in a place with regular seasons. She's off from school for winter break but she shows up wearing a summer dress and then she leaves the house wearing only a tank top and sweatpants. He gets an emergency call from the hospital yet when he gets there the patient and his Mom are waiting outside and he has to let them in. Then he does the x-rays and pulls the patient's file himself at a hospital ? Lastly, he says he has a gift (engagement ring) hidden in his bedroom but when he walks in the room he pulls it out of his pocket. Austin Bailey is 33 years old and a successful doctor. He met Moira when he was 19 years old and they eventually got married and had a beautiful daughter named Chelsea. A year ago he came home from work and found Moira with all her possessions packed up and her telling him she was leaving so she could find herself. She didn't even seem to care about Chelsea because she left her behind without a thought. Lily is 20 years old, a college student and she still lives at home with her mom and her dad, the town sheriff. Austin met Lily a year ago when she ended up in his exam room after falling on the ice and spraining her ankle. When she mentioned she was a babysitter he hired her right away and Chelsea adores her. Now he finds himself looking forward to seeing her everyday when he gets home from work. He tries to keep his distance from her because he doesn't want to become a cliche by seducing the babysitter. He doesn't know Lily secretly desires him also.

[Chalice · Rating 3 out of 5]

The couple: Austin and Lily

Romance trope: babysitter
Length: 88 pages

Plot: Lily is Austin's daughter's babysitter but he can't get her out of his mind. He's older than her, but she's the first woman to catch his attention since his ex-wife left. But what would she want with an old man like him?

Commentary: So first of all, of course he's not really an old man, even though that's how he thinks of himself. He's in his early 30s. It was sweet. I'll be honest, I thought that the evil ex-wife was going to come back - that's usually what happens in a story like this - and I was glad that she didn't. It allowed for a smooth transition between babysitter and stepmother.

Grammar/formatting: Some continuity errors - clothes the characters were wearing, things they were doing from one paragraph to the next. Maybe needed a little more editing even if it was just a quick Christmas novella.

[Lisa · Rating 5 out of 5]

This little novella was 5 flaming chestnuts by the open fire; Dani Rene can pack so much heat into so few pages. But wait the sizzle wasnt the only fantastic thing about this read it has a sweet love story that pulls on your heartstring. (Cue the awe) Dani I demand a full length version ASAP chop chop Christmas is around the corner lol.

[Julie Workman-Bookaholic Sisters Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved this short and sweet read.
Austin and Lily are made for eachother, thier chemistry and heat had me flying through the pages. Absolutely brilliant

[Lissa Smith Reads'~A Bookaholics Bookshelf · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated
4 Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Kindle Unlimited Read

[Cat Imb || The Reading Cat || · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book and I voluntarily reviewed it. Thank you Dani René!

I have a hard time reviewing novellas, because 1- they're short and well, I always want MORE and that kind of goes against what a novella is, and 2- they come in a nice little package kind of like an amuse-bouche, but for the brain.

If you're looking for a sweet kinda corny lined Christmas romance novella, this is it. It delivers on everything a Christmas romance should, holiday themed sex, Christmas treats, and cheesy Christmas analogies *eyebrow wiggle*. It's the perfect gift for Christmas from Dani René.

Now I want to eat so many cookies its insane! Warning! Do not read while hungry! *stomach growls*

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story is short, fast paced and festive. I read this book in one sitting and wasn’t once bored. I really liked this short story. I liked Lily and Austin. I did see the chemistry between them but I wanted more of them together. I liked Lily’s bond with Chelsea. I also liked that Austin was willing to give love a chance. He wanted Lily to be his. He was wary of how Lily would react but he needn’t have worried, she wanted him too.
My only disappointment was that this book wasn’t longer. I wanted more from Austin, Lily and Chelsea!
The storyline for this book is easy to follow and an enjoyable read.

[Cinderella (Nysa Bookish) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Let me start off by saying the prolong really broke my heart.

I am truly amazed how Dani brings out so many emotions through her words. Be it a novel or a novella. Austin's Christmas Shortcake is Dani's Christmas gift to us the readers. It has EVERYTHING. The angst, the heat, the sizzle, the cuteness and the Christmas cheer.

I am just excited and eagerly waiting to read more of her work

[Maranda Prigmore · Rating 5 out of 5]

Austin and Lily. How adorable these two are. Then there is Chelsea who is what brought them together. He's a doctor and divorcee. She is his babysitter. Not to mention a bit older. She wants this. A family with him and chelsea. Daddy is the sheriff and his daughter isn't going to be hurt. Love this season is mixed with a little spice.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Short but oh so hot! I love me some taboo reads, I don’t shy away from much of anything. Basically I haven’t found my hard limit yet hahaha! Anywho, I loved this super steamy read by one of my favorites. I just wish it was a full length because I want more!

[Karen Sedgman · Rating 4 out of 5]

A short Christmas novella! Lily the young Babysitter, Austin the sexy older Doctor and then we have Chelsea the gorgeous daughter of Austin! Loved the story, was insta love for Lily & Austin! Loved the older male meets the younger female!

[Philomena Callan Cheekypee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a fabulous short read. It’s hot, sexy and taboo. Drop in Christmas and it’s a wonderful read for Christmas.

Austin has fallen for his daughters childminder but she’s much too young for him... or is she?

[Mona williams · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a short and sexy read you will enjoy! he is a doctor with a child. she is the babysitter. he wants her but might just be to old for her.his fighting his attraction for her.

[Sarah DeLong · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sinfully sexy and quick to read, this novella made for a fun little escape for this busy mom.

[Linda Barrett · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Sweetness

Austin and Lily are sweet swoonworthy feelings and cute fuzzy goodness.
This is definitely a taboo novella you need to own asap.

[I need a HEA · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ho Ho Ho ;)

[Michelle28 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Short and hot. You can feel the tension🔥

[Cath · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5?
🔥🔥🔥
omgg cortito pero me encantóooo, la tensión, química, todo todo

[Shathara · Rating 5 out of 5]

Read as part of the "Holiday Nights" Anthology

[Joy Westerfield · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really loved this Novella! While it is a short read, it is sweet and sexy! Austin is a doctor who uses Lily as his babysitter for his daughter. Needless to say, sparks fly between them! If you love sexy reads, then this is for you! And Merry Christmas!!

[Hanan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun fast paced sexy read.
A bit of taboo,a bit of naughtiness and shortcake what more can I want!
Great enjoyable book that’s written for curling up on your favorite reading area and indulging in some hot sexiness.
It’s warm and sweet with a dash of sizzle and a pinch of spiciness 😉

[W · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good and satisfying quickie

Austin's Christmas Shortcake is steamy, sweet and sexy story ; it's ends at 57% of this book and it's followed by His Temptation a wickedly delicious taboo short story.

[SuzyHD · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sexy & Erotic

Sexy, fun and erotic just the way we like our short stories to flow. Both of these tales were interesting and entertaining. Loved the way each of the girls managed to capture their man in the most determined way. Yummy delicious storylines.

[Nikkita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short, hot and steamy

Sweet short read that was well written and had lots of steam. Taboo love when the hot DR. Starts falling for his daughters babysitter.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this holiday story!